How to save time and money at theme parks

CaptionTime limits

Flickr user: Joe Shlabotnik

Watching the clock is the key to theme park fun. Be mindful of deadlines for meals, snacks and rest times. Growling stomachs and overtired kids (of all ages) can sabotage theme park fun. Most parks have quiet spots designed for relaxation, including gardens, old school playgrounds and picnic...

Watching the clock is the key to theme park fun. Be mindful of deadlines for meals, snacks and rest times. Growling stomachs and overtired kids (of all ages) can sabotage theme park fun. Most parks have quiet spots designed for relaxation, including gardens, old school playgrounds and picnic... (Flickr user: Joe Shlabotnik)

Our annual passes to the Kennedy Space Center allow reduced ticket prices for up to six guests, discounts on food concessions and savings opportunities on souvenirs. Other attractions offer different benefit packages, including reciprocal admission at other theme parks, hotel discounts and...

Our annual passes to the Kennedy Space Center allow reduced ticket prices for up to six guests, discounts on food concessions and savings opportunities on souvenirs. Other attractions offer different benefit packages, including reciprocal admission at other theme parks, hotel discounts and... (Flickr user: Stig Nygaard)

Theme park visits usually include children with a differing perspective from adult traveling companions. Relaxed animal encounters, romp time and hands-on activities such as those found at the Astronaut Hall of Fame near Cape Canaveral or The Scientific Center in Kuwait provide stress-free...

Theme park visits usually include children with a differing perspective from adult traveling companions. Relaxed animal encounters, romp time and hands-on activities such as those found at the Astronaut Hall of Fame near Cape Canaveral or The Scientific Center in Kuwait provide stress-free... (Flickr user: Intamin10 via CC BY-ND 2.0)

Tampa's Busch Gardens and the Kennedy Space Center in greater Orlando each provide free parking for both you and your pet, with complimentary kennels on site. Free concerts, shows and demonstrations are bundled into the entertainment package options at Disney and Universal theme parks. Epcot...

Tampa's Busch Gardens and the Kennedy Space Center in greater Orlando each provide free parking for both you and your pet, with complimentary kennels on site. Free concerts, shows and demonstrations are bundled into the entertainment package options at Disney and Universal theme parks. Epcot... (Flickr user: Victor Gregory)

Refillable water bottles are useful park accessories. The bottles can be refilled repeatedly at water fountains to provide a healthy and frugal alternative to expensive soft drinks offered by park vendors. Some parks also have an open-door policy for DIY snacks and lunches. We've saved money by...

Refillable water bottles are useful park accessories. The bottles can be refilled repeatedly at water fountains to provide a healthy and frugal alternative to expensive soft drinks offered by park vendors. Some parks also have an open-door policy for DIY snacks and lunches. We've saved money by... (Flickr user: plasticrevolver via CC BY-SA 2.0)

Sharon Harvey Rosenberg and Myscha Theriault | McClatchy-Tribune News Service Even without a watch, it's easy to tell time at Disney World. The character parade marches down Main Street in the early afternoon and the temper tantrums typically arrive by twilight when too much fun leads to...